Tribes, NKSD further collaboration effort

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Tribes, NKSD further collaboration effort
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Thu Mar 22, 2007 2:37 am (PST)
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By Bill Mickelson
Mar 21 2007


SUQUAMISH ���©Ñ�� To some, a conversation over dinner may be simple, but for the
North Kitsap School District and the Suquamish and Port Gamble S���©Ñ��Klallam
tribal councils, the symbolism of such a discussion is enormous.
On March 15, the Suquamish Tribe welcomed all parties involved in the
education of tribal students to Kiana Lodge for the annual meeting between the NKSD
and the tribal councils. The purpose of the yearly gathering is to review
federal impact aid funds, which are distributed to the district based on the
number of students who live on federal land ���©Ñ�� including tribal reservations.
But this year, in line with the past few years, the conversation went beyond
the numbers and into the structure of the district and tribal entities���©Ñ��
collaboration. And, more importantly, how it can be enhanced.
Currently, in accordance with House Bill 1495, tribal committees around
Washington state are developing curriculum for what should be taught in public
schools about their respective cultures, said Jill Metcalf, education director
for the Port Gamble S���©Ñ��Klallam Tribe.
And as that process continues, so do the few Native American culture programs
���©Ñ�� like elementary level canoe curriculum ���©Ñ�� in place at NKSD schools.
Even larger than curriculum ���©Ñ�� both ends of the discussion agreed ���©Ñ�� it���©Ñ��s a
positive atmosphere and encouraging actions in the learning environment that
guide students to success.
Metcalf said for tribal students, living on the reservation and then going to
school can be like ���©Ñ��completely different worlds���©Ñ�� in both learning styles
and overall environment. Bridging that gap it requires understanding and
encouragement between both the school and the student, she said.
���©Ñ��It takes collaboration from all of us to do that,���©Ñ�� NKSD assistant director
of teaching and learning Dixie Husser. And results from the past few years of
NKSD/tribal communication are starting to show up on Native American students
���©Ñ�� WASL scores, she said.
���©Ñ��Relationships are built over time. Communication and trust are built over
time,���©Ñ�� Husser said. ���©Ñ��We had been struggling for a while and obviously for
everyone, perseverance, tenacity and continuing to focus on student needs has
paid off.���©Ñ��
In addition to the cultural elementary curriculum in two schools, there is
also strong communication between the tribal education departments and the
administration of both North End junior highs. And at the high school level,
annual opportunity fairs are helping to let students know what education they���©Ñ��ll
need to be successful later in life.
That thought is what those involved in the March 15 meeting pondered.
Following the annual business three questions were posed: What makes a Native
American student successful? What is needed to make this vision a reality? How can
those involved collaboratively achieve that?
���©Ñ��It was gratifying because this year ... the S���©Ñ��Klallam rep (Metcalf) said we
need to do this again soon, not in year,���©Ñ�� Husser said. ���©Ñ��That was the key
piece.���©Ñ��
A subcommittee has already formed, looking to schedule another meeting
between the tribal and district councils. The date and time have yet to be set.